Musical 'Where's Charley' is Stow Players' winter show

by April Helms
Special Products EditorPublished: February 7, 2014 12:00AM

Stow Players opened its winter show, "Where's Charley," a musical adaptation by Frank Loesser and George Abbott of the comedy "Charley's Aunt" by Brandon Thomas, Jan. 31.

The show, directed by Dustin Oliver, is set in 1892 and pokes light fun at Victorian sensibilities. In the play, Jack Chesney (played by Jeff Liliesedt) and his friend Charley Wykeham (played by Tyler Harding) scheme to meet their sweethearts Kitty Verdun (played by Amanda Bouffard) and Amy Spettigue (played by Erica Cantrell). They are helped by the butler Brassett (played by Dave Sherman). They are anticipating the arrival of Charley's wealthy aunt, Donna Lucia D'Alvadorez (played by Elizabeth Dianne Balla), who will serve as the chaperone for the young couples -- an absolute must in Victorian society. However, when the two lads get a telegram saying that the aunt will be delayed, they must quickly improvise so they can still see their sweethearts. Complicating matters is the sudden appearance of the gruff and dictatorial Mr. Spettigue, Kitty's guardian and Amy's uncle (played by Jerry Schaber, who also plays Wilkinson).

Dan Williams, who plays Jack's father Sir Francis Chesney, said that he joined the cast late in the rehearsal process.

"I kind of had to learn it fast," he said.

Balla said that this was the first time she had performed a singing role.

"So that took some time to get into," said Balla, a Cuyahoga Falls resident. She added that she made her own costumes for the show.

"I had my own business of doing leather stuff and leather armor," she said.

Ticket and show information

"Where's Charley" continues through the end of February.

Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and there is one matinee on Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Ticket prices are $14 for general admission and $12 for senior citizens and students. On Valentine's Day, with each ticket purchased the patron will receive a coupon for a glass of wine (or other beverage) and chocolates.

All performances are in the Heritage Barn in Stow's Silver Springs Park, with access from Young Road only.

Call 330-655-6051 for reservations and information.

Visit www.stowplayers.net or email info@stowplayers.net for details.

Next on stage

Stow Players will end its 2013-14 season with "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" by Tennessee Williams, which will run March 14 through 29.